Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys cut in my area. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an extra cheapest key cutting near me fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cut key or fob in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car key cutting near me prices, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.